Studs and Duds from the Lions' week 11 victory over the Bears

After beating the Chicago Bears (3-7), the Detroit Lions (6-4) made history in Week 11 by having won all three of their division road games, something they have never done before in the history of the franchise.

I wasn’t the prettiest of games but the Lions did enough to get the victory in Soldier Field on Sunday. Here’s a look at the players who made the win possible and those who need to improve on a short week as the Lions get ready for Thanksgiving.

STUD: Matt Prater

They don’t come any more clutch than Matt Prater. He proved once again why he’s worth every penny of his new contract when he nailed a 52-yard field goal in difficult conditions to put the Lions ahead late.

An absolute luxury for coach Jim Caldwell, he knows Prater is a player who he can count on in difficult situations that will come through for him time and time again.

Lions were actually beyond where they were comfortable attempting a FG, but… “I looked down at the end and (Prater) kind of gave me that nod like, ‘I got it,’” Caldwell said

I was unable to locate a video of the Prater game-winning kick to embed into the article, but I was given a link to an ESPN video and found an audio clip of WJR Voice of the Lions Dan Miller, which may be even better.

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DUD: Jarrad Davis

Playing MIKE linebacker in the NFL is a daunting task, and near-impossible to do on a consistent basis. Making adjustments for the defense, understanding complex offensive schemes and knowing and executing your role as well as accounting for those around you can be challenging.

Jarrad Davis is in deep waters now and he is struggling to stay afloat of his responsibilities. He is missing assignments, overrunning gaps and struggling in man and zone coverage. Now on a short week with another explosive offense on tap, it’s warranted to be concerned.

But one of the benefits of being a rookie is you don’t always know how bad you’re playing, and Davis doesn’t lack confidence. Sometimes all it takes is a solid hit or two at the right time to get yourself back on track, Lions fans can only hope this happens sooner rather than later.

STUD: Darius Slay

For the second week in a row, Darius Slay is getting some love on my STUDS list. Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky tested Slay on the Bears first two offensive snaps and learned very quickly that it’s not the best strategy for success.

Reliable in the run game and capable of shutting down half the field for the defense, Slay is arguably having his best year of his career. At this point, the Pro Bowl talk shouldn’t just be a fun discussion but a foregone conclusion.

DUDS: Rick Wagner & T.J. Lang

I hinted in my Bears scouting report that the right side of the Lions offensive line was going to be tested against the Bears and that came to fruition in a bad way at key moments.

Rick Wagner got overpowered on a stunt on the Lions opening possession and it resulted in a sack fumble which was recovered by the Bears. Wagner improved his pass protection as the game went on but he and the rest of the offensive line struggled to open many run lanes today.

T.J. Lang had a couple of missed blocks that resulted in pressures but it was his holding call inside 2:00 minutes of the fourth quarter that pushed the Lions out of touchdown range and forced Prater into a longer than needed field goal.

STUD: Eric Ebron

Like him or hate him, Eric Ebron is getting better at the right time of the year. After only having one game in the first six where he accounted for over 27 yards, Ebron has had games of 58, 35, 39 and 49 yards in his last four. He is still underperforming his physical potential, but there is no doubting his improvement.

With no drops since the bye week, Ebron is earning the trust of his teammates and is coming through in important game situations. After starting the game with a seven-yard catch on the first offensive play the defense started paying attention to him and he was often used on underneath routes opening up the deeper pass option.

Big gain there Stafford to Ebron to the Bears 26-yard line. That was a big 26-yard gain with just over 2 minutes left. #DETvsCHI

With a tied game late in the fourth quarter, Ebron had the catch of the drive, a 26-yard reception that put the Lions in field goal range and it eventually led to Prater’s game-winning field goal.

DUD: Defensive Ends

Say what you will about Ezekiel Ansah’s lack of production, his presence is sorely missed on the Lions defensive line. Ansah is a solid edge setter and run defender and Detroit has given up over 200 yards rushing in each of the last two games with him out with a back injury.

Cornelius Washington had a couple of splash plays, including a half-sack, but overall struggled in his role. Anthony Zettel lost contain too many times and only managed one tackle on the day. Jeremiah Valoaga also lost contain several times and was flagged for a late hit penalty in late in the fourth quarter.

STUDS: Defense fun facts

The Lions have now scored their fifth defensive touchdown of the season and lead the NFL in that category. Add in Agnew’s two punt returns and the seven return touchdowns tie a Lions team record according to Dave Birkett of the Free Press.

Here’s a look at corner D.J. Hayden’s fumble recovery for a touchdown which elevated the Lions into those categories.